Define: Jury Instruction

A jury instruction is a set of legal guidelines provided by the judge to the jury during a trial. It outlines the legal principles and rules that the jury must apply in reaching their verdict.

Jury instructions are crucial because they help the jury understand the applicable law and how it should be applied to the facts of the case. They ensure that the jury reaches a verdict based on the correct legal standards.

The judge is responsible for providing the jury instructions. They review the relevant laws and legal principles and draft instructions that accurately reflect the law applicable to the case.

Yes, the jury can request clarification on a jury instruction if they find it confusing or need further explanation. The judge has the discretion to provide additional guidance or clarification if necessary.

While the jury is generally expected to follow the jury instructions provided by the judge, they have the power to disregard them in certain circumstances. This is known as jury nullification, where the jury chooses to acquit a defendant despite evidence of guilt.

Yes, both the defence and prosecution can request specific jury instructions that they believe are relevant to the case. The judge will review these requests and decide whether to include them in the final instructions.

If the jury misapplies a jury instruction and reaches a verdict that is inconsistent with the law, it can be grounds for an appeal. The appellate court will review the instructions given and determine if any errors occurred that affected the outcome of the trial.

No, jury instructions are tailored to the specific facts and legal issues of each case. The judge will consider the unique circumstances and legal principles involved and draft instructions accordingly.

Yes, the jury can request additional jury instructions or ask for further clarification on existing instructions during their deliberations. The judge will consider these requests and provide appropriate guidance if necessary.

Typically, the jury is not allowed to ask questions about the evidence during the jury instruction phase. Their role during this phase is to understand the applicable law, not to reexamine the evidence. However, they may have the opportunity to ask questions during the trial itself or during deliberations.